Mike Tomlin Looking For ‘Significant Step’ From Wheaton In 2014

CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 29: Josh Norman #24 of the Carolina Panthers defends a pass intended for Markus Wheaton #11 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during a preseason NFL game at Bank of America Stadium on Aug. 29, 2013 in Charlotte, N.C.(Photo Credit: Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) – The Steelers have seen plenty of turnover on their roster this offseason, but some of the biggest changes will he happening at the wide receiver position.

The Steelers lost Emmanuel Sanders to the Denver Broncos and Jerricho Cotchery to the Carolina Panthers. They have replaced them with depth guys in Lance Moore and Darrius Heyward-Bey. The biggest potential addition for the Steelers’ receiving corp though could come from within.

Wheaton mostly struggled just to get on the field in his rookie year as he missed four games suffering from broken fingers. In the time he did play, the Steelers’ former third-round draft pick recorded only six catches for 64 yards.

Wheaton taking on larger role would greatly help quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as he only has proven, returning pass catchers in Antonio Brown and Heath Miller coming back from the 2013 team that went 8-8.

Whether or not Wheaton takes that next step could also depend on the direction the Steelers head in the draft. Wheaton could find himself competing with a first-round draft pick as some mock drafts have the Steelers looking to go that route with their 15th overall pick.

Stay tuned to 93-7 The FAN for the latest news and notes on the Steelers offseason.